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Montefranco is without doubt one of the most picturesque town in Valnerina: situated on a hill (414 metres high) and surrounded by olive groves and woods of oaks and pines, it dominates the valley where the River Nera flows.
The small town developed around the old castle of Bufone, built approximately in the 11th century as defensive fortress.
In 1228 it was occupied by some refugees from Arrone, who made it "free zone", "zona franca", and from this episode originated the name Montefranco.
Montefranco was always linked to the Duchy of Spoleto, except during the period when the town adhered to the "twelve castle confederation" leaded by the Abbey of S. Pietro in Valle; some years later all the rebel castles were brought again under the rule of Spoleto, which continued till 1527 and, after another period of freedom, became definitive from 1627.
In 1798 it was linked to the canton of Terni; in 1799 it was occupied by groups of rebels, but the Spoleto army restored public order; after the Restoration it was a second rank commune, ruled by a governor.
The town followed the destiny of the Papal State, than it became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Some places worth seeing: the two gates of the old fortress, Porta Franca e Porta Spoletina, and the church of medieval origin dedicated to S. Maria Assunta.
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